PULLMAN, WA - SEPTEMBER 05: Tyler Baker #26 of the Washington State Cougars is tackled by AJ Schlatter #31 of the Portland State Vikings in the second half at Martin Stadium on September 5, 2015 in Pullman, Washington. Portland State defeated Washington State 24-17. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)

Portland State is mourning the death of AJ Schlatter, who was a pleasure to interview: https://t.co/DO5rNsOb3y https://t.co/eoupPbvYnS

The PSU family is heart broken & mourning the loss of one of its own. @viks_football LB #47 AJ Schlatter passed away last night. #RIPAJ

The Viking Family is hurting today coping with the loss of AJ Schlatter. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

James said on Facebook he believed a blood clot developed after his son's surgery Friday. He said, "He was such a inspiration to me and I was and am so PROUD to be his father."

"He is what I wanted my football program to be — how he represented himself, his family, Portland State on and off the football field. He wasn't a Hollywood kid. He just worked," Portland State head coach Bruce Barnum said.

Schlatter had just completed his redshirt freshman season with 62 tackles and was named Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the week on Nov. 26. He was a walk-on who earned a full scholarship this past season.

We lost our son tonight, Aj Schlatter I want to thank the efforts of the Canby Police and Fire departments, as well as...